Mockingbird Liaison Worker

Gateshead Council; Gateshead; Hybrid; GBP 47,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid & Flexible Working

Health & Wellbeing Support

Cycle to Work Scheme

Pension scheme

Learning & Development

Annual leave 28 days increasing with 5

Hybrid working across roles

Salary sacrifice car scheme

Job summary

Gateshead Council is seeking an experienced Social Worker to join the Fostering Service as a Mockingbird Liaison Worker. The role focuses on delivering and expanding the Mockingbird Family Model, recruiting foster carers, and building robust networks for children, young people and professionals.

The post involves evening/weekend work, strong relationship management, and a commitment to outcome‑driven, relationship‑based practice within children's social care.

Qualifications

• Social Work qualification (Degree, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent recognised social work qualification) and registration with Social Work England.
• Experience of working with children, young people and families.
• Experience within children's social care, fostering, looked after children or family support services.
• Sound knowledge of relevant legislation, statutory guidance and safeguarding responsibilities relating to children and young people.
• Experience of building and maintaining effective relationships with children, families, carers and partner agencies.
• Ability to undertake assessments, develop plans and support positive outcomes for children and families.
• Strong communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.
• Experience of multi‑agency working and partnership development.
• Ability to manage a varied workload and work both independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to relationship‑based practice and achieving the best outcomes for children and young people.
• Ability to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends, as required.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (or ability to meet the travel requirements of the role).

Responsibilities

• Support the delivery and ongoing development of the Mockingbird Family Model.
• Recruit and support foster carers to become part of Mockingbird constellations.
• Build strong, supportive networks between foster carers, children, young people and professionals.
• Work alongside Hub Home Carers, providing supervision, guidance and support.
• Promote understanding of the Mockingbird Model across the fostering service and partner agencies.
• Develop positive working relationships with children, young people, foster carers and partner organisations.
• Support constellation activities and events which strengthen the extended family model.
• Work collaboratively with social work and fostering teams to ensure the model is embedded effectively.
• Contribute to the wider work and development of the Fostering Service.
• Participate in evening and weekend work as required to meet the needs of the service.

Skills

Social work

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Interpersonal skills

Multi‑agency working

Flexibility

Education

Social Work Degree or equivalent

Job description

Due to the continued expansion of our successful Mockingbird Programme, we are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Social Worker, registered with Social Work England, to join our Fostering Service as a Mockingbird Liaison Worker. Working in partnership with The Fostering Network, the Mockingbird Family Model is an innovative approach to foster care that creates extended family support networks for foster carers, children and young people. The model helps to strengthen relationships, improve placement stability and build supportive communities around fostering families. This is an exciting opportunity to join a highly experienced and supportive Fostering Service as we continue to grow and develop our successful Mockingbird provision. Use your skills to strengthen connections, empower foster families and improve outcomes for children. What you'll get to do:

• Support the delivery and ongoing development of the Mockingbird Family Model.
• Recruit and support foster carers to become part of Mockingbird constellations.
• Build strong, supportive networks between foster carers, children, young people and professionals.
• Work alongside Hub Home Carers, providing supervision, guidance and support.
• Promote understanding of the Mockingbird Model across the fostering service and partner agencies.
• Develop positive working relationships with children, young people, foster carers and partner organisations.
• Support constellation activities and events which strengthen the extended family model.
• Work collaboratively with social work and fostering teams to ensure the model is embedded effectively.
• Contribute to the wider work and development of the Fostering Service.
• Participate in evening and weekend work as required to meet the needs of the service.
  Social Work qualification (Degree, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent recognised social work qualification) and registration with Social Work England.
• Experience of working with children, young people and families.
• Experience within children's social care, fostering, looked after children or family support services.
• Sound knowledge of relevant legislation, statutory guidance and safeguarding responsibilities relating to children and young people.
• Experience of building and maintaining effective relationships with children, families, carers and partner agencies.
• Ability to undertake assessments, develop plans and support positive outcomes for children and families.
• Strong communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.
• Experience of multi‑agency working and partnership development.
• Ability to manage a varied workload and work both independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to relationship‑based practice and achieving the best outcomes for children and young people.
• Ability to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends, as required.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (or ability to meet the travel requirements of the role).

We're delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time. We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward‑thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive. At Gateshead Council you'd be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi‑time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we're confident that it isn't just the salary that attracts our staff. Help us create stronger support networks where children, young people and foster families can thrive.

Fixed Term for 2 years. Salary £46,579 - £49,817 plus a 5% R & R allowance,

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience salary £46,579 - £49,817 plus a 5% R & R allowance
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don't just offer a great salary - we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax‑efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions - a cost‑effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services - plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).